Capacity & Crew

The interior spaces of the Ardent have a uniform design, having been built for multiple traversal modes and the comfort of multiple species living side by side. Habitation pods and work areas are adapted to suit those who live and work within them, and individual expression is encouraged as long as it does not infringe on the access or comfort of others.

Common areas, like the agricultural biome, are designed to be expansive and airy, the better to encourage relaxation within those spaces. The cephalic and secondary modules are considerably busier – in particular, the Taskminders module often resembles a packed market – but the ship is carefully designed to prevent crush and fire risks.

Crewmembers are generally encouraged to explore the ship when they are off duty, so as to encourage intellectual curiosity and social cohesion outside of one’s division. Only a few areas are off-limits to unassigned personnel at all times – the reactor complex, for example, is both too crucial and too dangerous to permit idle curiosity, though guided tours and informational seminars via T/OM terminal are available. The bridge and helm are always open to visitors when a transmission is not underway, as befits their ceremonial function.

The Ardent’s 1000-strong crew manifest is categorised by division. The majority of the crew are unassigned or A-COM operatives, responsible for and predominantly located on the Ardent. Ground teams, authorised to leave the ship on missions, are assembled by the divisions themselves from suitable volunteers; operatives are cycled in and out of ground duties, so that resentment and/or tedium do not interfere with their work performance.

Crew are signed on to terms of service that last for the duration of the Ardent’s current voyage; at the end of their tenure, when the ship returns to Alliance space, they may choose (or be recommended) to sign on for another term – or else depart the ship, perhaps to return for a future tour. Members of crew may request, or be assigned, to onboard duties for the remainder of their tenure for multiple reasons – in most circumstances, this is because a crewmember is suffering from profound emotional or physical stress that cannot be managed alongside standard duties.

Cases of extreme dereliction or circumvention of duty may see a crewmember sentenced to the Ardent’s isolation brig as a last resort. In addition to its recommendation by the DIPLO Ethical Prosecution Committee, this approach consolidates the cost of securing and sustaining prisoners into the comparatively minimal energy cost of maintaining the isolation units for the duration.